“Theory of information” as an integrative discipline in preparation of bachelors in information security and computer security: background and prospects of study

Statement of the problem. Currently, the field of IT-technologies is developing rapidly, and the training system in the information areas, in particular in the areas of “Information Security” and “Computer Security” must meet the demands of the times. In this regard, the problem arises: to rethink, in relation to modern conditions, the role of a number of disciplines in the educational process in these areas of training. Such disciplines, not only related to modern IT technologies, but also based on fundamental scientific knowledge, include Information Theory, the specificity of which is that it arose as a result of the integration of other fundamental disciplines. The purpose of the article: on the basis of historical and pedagogical analysis of the fundamental discipline “Information Theory” to clarify its role in the educational process in the areas of information and computer security, as well as to justify the need to develop teaching methods for this discipline. The methodology of the study is to make up the analysis and synthesis of regulatory documents in the field of higher education, including educational standards of different generations in Information Security and Computer Security, the history of the discipline “Information Theory” in higher education, as well as scientific and pedagogical literature. Research results. It is shown that the discipline is substantively based on the knowledge of several fundamental disciplines, while it is independent and has a fundamental character. The necessity of creating a special teaching methodology for the discipline “Information Theory” at the university is substantiated. It should be flexible and adequate to the current level of development of information and communication technologies. Conclusion. The methodology of the study allowed us to clarify the role of the discipline “Information Theory” in the educational process of the university. A flexible and adequate to the current level of information technology teaching methodology for the discipline “Information Theories”, the need for which is justified in the article, will increase the level of professional competence of university graduates in the areas of information and computer security.